QWave
Version 1.3
9/1/01

Written by Andrew Josef Glina using MASM32
glina@bigpond.net.au


Info...

This program is a simple add-on that enables you to play wave files without loading a much larger executable. (QWave is only 6Kb when installed). To use, follow the installation directions below, and then excecute any wave file. To stop the sound playing before it has finished, if for example it is a long sound, move the pointer to the QWave icon in the system tray and the sound will stop.


Tested on...

Win98SE
WinNT 4.0 SP4
Win2000


Installation...

Move the "QWave.exe" file to where it will be run from. I recommend using the Windows/WinNT directory as Qwave is really too small to justify having it's own directory. However it will work anywhere providing you "tell" QWave it has been moved. To do this, run "QWave.exe" and select "OK" to have the program associated with WAV files in the Registry. If you don't wish to change your associations you can also make it work by "dropping" any WAV file on the "QWave.exe" icon, or any shortcut pointing to it.


Notes...

I have not included any install/uninstall routines, as I do not feel that this program deserves it. However, seeing that I have added a few things that I didn't plan to originally, the program has crept up from 4.5 to 6k. To solve this I might write an installation routine to get the registry entries out of the program as they take up about 30% of the code. Writing an installation routine would also enable me to remove the registry entries for those who feels that QWave isn't fancy enough.

I have considered adding support for MIDI and other sound formats, but I do not want this program to get larger that 10k. This seems unlikely now. Remember that QWave will associate itself with WAV files, but will not unassociate itself. To do this you must use whatever program you are using to replace QWave. But why would you want to stop using QWave? It's simple, small and it works!


Licence...

This program is essentially free to use. Permission is given for distribution, including CD compilations and Websites. Just keep it in the ZIP file to keep the files together. To help me keep track of its distribution I would like an EMail from you so I get a general idea of its usage to encourage me to improve it. Advice/insults (on the subject of the program, not myself) are also welcome. People who EMail me can also be added to a mailing list and be sent the newest version. Simply send me an EMail (address at the top of this file and also in the program itself) with "QWaveADD" in the subject. To be removed from this list, write me an EMail with "QWaveREMOVE" in the subject.

On the EMail subject I have been disapointed to say the least. I have received under 10 EMails. Maybe "Freeware" is not the way to go... I might in future consider Nagware. It would be nice to be able to keep track of things. Surely someone must hate the program enough to EMail me! However, the few people who have EMailed me have generally given positive and sensible advice, and I really do appreciate that.

Having said all of that, if you find this program useful, I would appreciate $10 AUS as a token of your appreciation. Send this to the postal address mentioned in the "About" page of QWave. In return I will send you a "personalized" version, and be glad to help you with any technical problems that you may be having with the software. (Not that there are any!!!) This offer will continue for the life of the program.


History...

1.0  Initial Version
1.1  Added registry support
1.2  Solved some Win98SE compatibility problems (First Release)
1.22 Modded reg entries for increased compatability and less space
1.24 Added Icon support for .wav files and also in the about box
1.3  Added the ability to quit the program before a sound has finished playing and reworked the whole program


Liability...

I accept no liability for this software. Installing this software is your choice and your choice alone. By installing this software you acknowledge to accept this totally arrogant proposal.

